Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 178 (Friday, September 13, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56601-56603]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-21672]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0270; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-113-AD; 
Amendment 39-17570; AD 2013-17-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 050 airplanes, and Model F.28 Mark 
0070 and 0100 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of loose nuts 
on contactors in the electrical power center (EPC), and in some cases, 
burned contactors. This AD requires inspecting and, if necessary, 
adjusting, the torque values of nuts on circuit breakers, contactors, 
and terminal blocks of the EPC and battery relay panel. This AD also 
requires inspecting to determine if certain parts are installed, and 
installing the parts if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct loose nuts, which could result in arcing and potentially an 
onboard fire, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury 
to occupants or maintenance personnel.

DATES: This AD becomes effective October 18, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 18, 
2013.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West

[[Page 56602]]

Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified 
products. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on February 5, 
2013 (78 FR 8058). We preceded the SNPRM with a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM), which published in the Federal Register on March 21, 
2012 (77 FR 16486). The NPRM and the SNPRM both proposed to correct an 
unsafe condition for the specified products.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0050, dated March 27, 2012 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    In December 1989, Fokker issued Service Bulletin (SB) SBF50-24-
A013 and SBF100-24-A011 (both Alert Bulletins) to instruct operators 
to inspect and adjust several torque values of bus bars and 
contactors in the EPC. The Civil Aviation Authority of The 
Netherlands (CAA-NL, formerly RLD) issued AD (BLA) 89-159 and BLA 
89-157 respectively (both now at issue 2), to require operators of 
the affected aeroplanes to comply with the instructions of these 
SB's.
    Since those [Dutch] ADs were issued, several operators reported 
finding loose nuts on contactors in the EPC of Fokker 50/60 
aeroplanes in post-SBF50-24-A013 configuration and on Fokker 70/100 
aeroplanes in post-SBF100-24-A011 configuration. In some cases, the 
findings included damaged (burned) contactors.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
arcing and, in combination with other factors, to an on-board fire, 
possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury to 
occupants or maintenance personnel. EASA issued AD 2011-0083 
[referenced in the earlier FAA NPRM (77 FR 16486, March 21, 2012)] 
to address this unsafe condition.
    After that [EASA] AD was issued, it was noticed that terminal 
block TB4906A, used in some Fokker 100 aeroplanes, was missing from 
the list of affected terminal blocks, as specified in Fokker SBF100-
24-043. To correct this oversight, Fokker Services issued Revision 1 
of SBF100-24-043, adding terminal block TB4906A.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2011-0083, which is superseded, and for F28 
Mark 0100 aeroplanes, adds required action for the missing terminal 
block TB4906A by making reference to SBF100-24-043 Revision 1.

    The required actions include doing a general visual inspection to 
determine if either the lock washer, flat washer and nut, or locking 
nut and flat washer are installed; installing a new lock washer or 
self-locking nut, if necessary; and applying torque inspection lacquer. 
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the SNPRM (78 FR 8058, February 5, 
2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed--except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
SNPRM (78 FR 8058, February 5, 2013) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM (78 FR 8058, February 5, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 4 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 5 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $1,700, or $425 per 
product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 4 work-hours and require parts costing $25, for a cost of 
$365 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products 
that may need these actions.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the MCAI, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is 
in the ADDRESSES section.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

[[Page 56603]]

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2013-17-06 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-17570. Docket No. FAA-
2012-0270; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-113-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October 18, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 050 
airplanes, and Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes, certificated 
in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electric 
power.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of loose nuts on contactors in 
the electrical power center (EPC), and in some cases, burned 
contactors. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct loose nuts, 
which could result in arcing and potentially an onboard fire, 
possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to occupants 
or maintenance personnel.

(f) Compliance

    You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD 
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions 
have already been done.

(g) Actions

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this 
AD.
    (1) Do a torque check of the nuts and circuit breakers, 
contactors, and terminal blocks of the EPC and battery relay panel, 
as applicable; and do all applicable adjustments of the torque 
values; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker 
Service Bulletin SBF50-24-032, dated February 10, 2011 (for Model 
F.27 Mark 050 airplanes); or the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-24-043, Revision 1, dated December 
15, 2011 (for Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes). Do all 
applicable adjustments before further flight.
    (2) Do a general visual inspection of the contacts and nuts on 
circuit breakers, contactors, and terminal blocks of the EPC and 
battery relay panel to determine if either the lock washer, flat 
washer and nut, or locking nut and flat washer are installed; and do 
all applicable installations; in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-24-032, dated February 
10, 2011 (for Model F.27 Mark 050 airplanes); or the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-24-043, Revision 1, 
dated December 15, 2011 (for Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 
airplanes). Do all applicable installations before further flight.
    (3) Before further flight, after accomplishing any check 
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD or any inspection required 
by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD: Apply torque inspection lacquer, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF50-24-032, dated February 10, 2011 (for Model F.27 Mark 
050 airplanes); or the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF100-24-043, Revision 1, dated December 15, 2011 (for 
Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes).

(h) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Tom 
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149. 
Information may be emailed to:
    [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, 
notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal 
inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district 
office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter 
must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(i) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2012-0050, 
dated March 27, 2012, for related information, which can be found in 
the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-24-032, dated February 10, 
2011.
    (ii) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-24-043, Revision 1, dated 
December 15, 2011.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 231, 2150 
AE Nieuw-Vennep, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)252-627-350; fax 
+31 (0)252-627-211; email 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com.
    (4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 16, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-21672 Filed 9-12-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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